Bristol firms with staff working from home as a result of the coronavirus outbreak are being urged to help them ‘donate their commute’ to city centre hospitals charity Above & Beyond.
They can set up a virtual collection tin via the JustGiving app for their team to give the money saved from not commuting as well as not buying a daily coffee or going out for lunch. 
All money raised will go to the Bristol City Centre Hospitals Appeal to help the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust hospitals deal with the outbreak of Covid-19.
The charity is in daily talks with the Trust about how best to spend the proceeds.
The immediate focus is on supporting the physical and emotional wellbeing of frontline staff, including supplying toiletries, drinks and snacks, along with store cards to allow them to make urgent purchases.
Above & Beyond is also hoping to improve facilities for staff with more chairs and kitchen equipment and by making more out-of-hours meals available.
The charity’s philanthropy and partnerships manager Elaine Gibson said: “We’ve been amazed by the outpouring of support for the NHS by Bristol businesses looking to get involved at this critical time.
“A virtual collection tin is a really simple way to show your appreciation and you can invite your team to contribute – it’s a small ask that will make a big difference.
“Whatever happens in the coming days, weeks and months, we will be there for our hospitals in whatever way they need.”
To set up a virtual collection tin or for more fundraising ideas, go to the Above & Beyond website: www.aboveandbeyond.org.uk
Founded in 1974, Above & Beyond raises around £3m a year for eight city centre hospitals and South Bristol Community Hospital to make a real difference to patient care and the hospital experience.
It does this by creating welcoming environments, providing the latest equipment, supporting staff training and development, and funding innovative research.
